Landlord Guide To Tenant Preparation

Landlords in the UK have a legal duty to ensure that any property they let with gas appliances is safe. The key requirement is to obtain a valid Gas Safety Certificate (often called a CP12) every year. This obligation comes from the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, and non-compliance carries heavy penalties.

What is a Gas Safety Certificate?
A Gas Safety Certificate is an official record produced by a Gas Safe registered engineer following an inspection of the property’s gas installations. The check covers:

• All gas appliances provided by the landlord (boilers, cookers, fires)
• Flues, chimneys, and ventilation connected to those appliances
• Gas pipework throughout the property

The engineer will confirm whether appliances are safe, record any defects, and note any remedial work required.

How often must checks be done?
A gas safety check must be carried out at least once every 12 months. Landlords must keep records of each check for at least two years.

Providing certificates to tenants
Landlords are legally required to provide tenants with a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate:

• To new tenants, it must be given before they move in.
• To existing tenants, a copy of the renewed certificate must be provided within 28 days of the annual check.

Electronic copies are acceptable, provided tenants can access and keep them.

Who can carry out the check?
Only a qualified engineer who is registered with the Gas Safe Register may carry out gas safety inspections. Landlords should always check the engineer’s Gas Safe ID card to confirm they are certified for the specific type of work required.

Consequences of non-compliance
Failure to comply with gas safety regulations is a criminal offence. Local authorities can impose unlimited fines, and in serious cases landlords may face imprisonment. Non-compliance also invalidates the ability to serve a Section 21 notice for possession, potentially leaving landlords unable to regain their property.

Good practice
In addition to annual checks, landlords should:

• Encourage tenants to report faults immediately
• Install carbon monoxide alarms where required (and test them at tenancy start)
• Carry out servicing of boilers and appliances according to manufacturer recommendations

To Conclude
Gas safety is a critical landlord duty. By arranging annual checks, providing certificates promptly, and acting quickly on any faults, landlords protect tenants’ health, remain legally compliant, and safeguard their property.